Fast Start Lifts Georgia Southern to 4-1 Win Over Mercer
4/8/2026 8:39:00 PM | Softball
STATESBORO – The Georgia Southern Eagles (18-20, 5-7 SBC) used a strong early offensive push and a steady outing in the circle to secure a 4-1 victory over the Mercer Bears (16-21, 4-5 SoCon) on Wednesday evening.
The Bears struck first in the opening inning, using a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Eagles responded immediately in the bottom half, as senior Emma Davis delivered an RBI triple to tie the game before Valerie Combs lifted a sacrifice fly to give Georgia Southern a 2-1 advantage.
The Eagles' offense added to their lead in the second inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.
Freshman Jaycee Bilbrey reached and moved into scoring position before Kayla Christensen lined a triple down the left-field line to bring her home. Then, Delanie Thames followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 4-1.
From there, Georgia Southern's pitching took control.
Senior Bailey Holland (7-9) delivered a strong six-inning performance, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out three. She worked out of multiple situations, including a key double play in the sixth inning to halt a Mercer threat.
The young lefty, Kaylee Croft, closed the door in the seventh with a scoreless frame to secure the win.
At the plate, Christensen led the Eagles with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, scoring twice and driving in a run. Davis added a triple and an RBI, while Thames contributed a key RBI single in the second inning.
Georgia Southern totaled seven hits and drew three walks, while the defense limited Mercer to just one run despite six hits.
The Eagles will look to carry the momentum forward as they head back on the road to Southern Miss for another conference series.
The Bears struck first in the opening inning, using a leadoff double and a sacrifice fly to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Eagles responded immediately in the bottom half, as senior Emma Davis delivered an RBI triple to tie the game before Valerie Combs lifted a sacrifice fly to give Georgia Southern a 2-1 advantage.
The Eagles' offense added to their lead in the second inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.
Freshman Jaycee Bilbrey reached and moved into scoring position before Kayla Christensen lined a triple down the left-field line to bring her home. Then, Delanie Thames followed with an RBI single, extending the lead to 4-1.
From there, Georgia Southern's pitching took control.
Senior Bailey Holland (7-9) delivered a strong six-inning performance, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out three. She worked out of multiple situations, including a key double play in the sixth inning to halt a Mercer threat.
The young lefty, Kaylee Croft, closed the door in the seventh with a scoreless frame to secure the win.
At the plate, Christensen led the Eagles with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, scoring twice and driving in a run. Davis added a triple and an RBI, while Thames contributed a key RBI single in the second inning.
Georgia Southern totaled seven hits and drew three walks, while the defense limited Mercer to just one run despite six hits.
The Eagles will look to carry the momentum forward as they head back on the road to Southern Miss for another conference series.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Holland, Bailey (7-9)
L: McKillop, Grace (5-3)
Batting:
2B: Barton, Avery 1
RBI: Lenzen, Olivia 1
SF: Lenzen, Olivia 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Barton, Avery 1
SB: Fernandez, Isabel 1
CS: Fernandez, Isabel 1

Batting:
3B: Christensen, Kayla 1 ; Davis, Emma 1
RBI: Christensen, Kayla 1 ; Combs, Valerie 1 ; Thames, Delanie 1 ; Davis, Emma 1
SF: Combs, Valerie 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Christensen, Kayla 2 ; Davis, Emma 1 ; Bilbrey, Jaycee 1
SB: Christensen, Kayla 1 ; Thames, Delanie 2 ; Davis, Emma 1 ; Bilbrey, Jaycee 1
HBP: Queen, Braelyn 1
Game Leaders
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